Wandering Swordsman |

Murong Liang then looked at everyone, a slight smile playing on his lips, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Today's events, though stemming from a misunderstanding, have thankfully avoided escalating into a major disaster. Shen Mo's innocence has been proven, and my Murong family has been unjustly accused. Since Patriarch Huangfu is willing to take responsibility, let's call it a day."

He spoke in a gentle tone, with a kind expression, seemingly displaying genuine magnanimity. After speaking, he glanced at Huangfu Haotian again. That glance, though not angry, exuded an imposing aura.

He didn't raise his voice, nor did he show anger, but his words, "Let's call it a day," struck everyone's hearts like an invisible hammer. The guests nodded in agreement, as if the whole incident was just a misunderstanding, rather than a carefully planned humiliation and provocation.

In this seemingly calm atmosphere, Huangfu Haotian cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, his face showing a hint of guilt and apology, as if he were truly someone who knew his mistakes and could correct them.

"Uncle Murong, now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, we shall take our leave." His words were low and sincere, each word as if carefully considered. "After all, this farce was caused by the negligence of my Huangfu family, and I have no face to stay here any longer."

After saying that, he bowed deeply, his movements so precise and textbook-perfect that they were flawless.

However, it was clear to everyone present that this was not out of genuine remorse, but rather a strategic retreat.

"Please forgive me, everyone." He nodded slightly to the guests around him, his tone revealing a hint of helplessness and regret. "Young Master Shen, I apologize for the inconvenience today. I will definitely come to apologize in person another day."

After saying that, he turned around and gestured for the Huangfu family members to prepare to leave.

Faced with Huangfu Haotian's "departure," Murong Liang did not try to stop him, nor did he show the slightest emotional fluctuation. "Nephew Huangfu, you flatter me." His tone remained gentle, like a spring breeze. "Since it's a misunderstanding, there's no need to say more. The world of martial arts is unpredictable; who doesn't make mistakes? Since you can face it calmly, it shows your magnanimity."

This statement was perfectly worded, giving Huangfu Haotian a way out while subtly pointing out the fact that "the Huangfu family is at fault," leaving him with no room for rebuttal.

"If you have time in the future, you are welcome to visit Luoyang again." Murong Liang personally saw him off a few steps, his posture respectful and his manners impeccable, truly befitting a magnanimous person.

But in Huangfu Haotian's eyes, each step felt like a heavy, cold weight on his heart. It was as if they were declaring that any tricks the Huangfu family could pull in front of the Murong family were futile.

At the engagement ceremony, red ribbons fluttered in the breeze, and the festive atmosphere had not yet completely dissipated, but an indescribable tension and oppression permeated the air.

After carrying the woman's body on their backs, the Huangfu family quietly withdrew, their steps light yet somewhat hurried. Their figures gradually disappeared from the scene, as if they had never been there at all.

After the Huangfu family had completely left, the atmosphere in the courtyard finally relaxed a little. Some people whispered among themselves:

"The patriarch is truly extraordinary; anyone else would have overturned the table long ago."

"That's right, the Huangfu family really suffered a big setback today, but they can't say anything about it."

Some people sighed, "It's a pity that the woman died, otherwise we could have gotten more of the truth out of her."

......

Inside the Murong family mansion, the turmoil had subsided. The courtyard was filled with the melodious sounds of traditional music, clinking glasses, and a festive atmosphere returned. Guests raised their glasses in celebration, offering their sincerest blessings to Shen Mo and Murong Qing.

"Congratulations, Young Master Shen!"

"Today's joyous occasion is truly a grand event for the martial arts world!"

"Young Master Shen and Miss Seven are a match made in heaven, truly enviable!"

Amidst cheers, the engagement ceremony was successfully completed. Red silk hung high, incense smoke curled, and Shen Mo and Murong Qing stood side by side, formally exchanging vows before the witnesses. At this moment, he was no longer an outsider, but a member of the Murong family.

Zhang Taixuan personally presided over the ceremony for them, while Yang Zhi stood to the side, his gaze kind and his lips curved in a smile. Murong Liang sat upright in the main seat, his expression solemn yet gentle, as if he already regarded Shen Mo as a true nephew.

"From this day forward, you are a member of the Murong family." Murong Liang rose and raised his cup, his voice steady and powerful. "I hope you will live up to this name and this affection."

Shen Mo bowed respectfully, his eyes filled with determination: "Shen Mo is willing to protect this promise with his life and live up to the Murong family's kindness."

Thunderous applause and laughter filled the air. The engagement banquet concluded successfully amidst joyful cheers. But in the countryside outside Luoyang, a far more chilling and bloody drama was quietly unfolding…

As night fell, the desolate grass grew sparsely outside Luoyang City. The Huangfu family and their entourage, along with their guards, carried the woman's "corpse" in a carriage, remaining silent the entire way, the atmosphere as oppressive as a fully drawn bowstring.

"Let's stop for a bit," Huangfu Haotian said in a low voice, his tone calm but revealing a hint of secret excitement.

The group stopped and arrived at the edge of a secluded forest. Just as everyone thought they were going to bury the woman on the spot, Huangfu Haotian suddenly spoke:

"Alright, stop pretending to be dead. My palm strike wasn't enough to kill you."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback and looked at each other in bewilderment.

Huangfu Hui, in particular, turned deathly pale. He had always believed his father was ruthless and had already killed the woman. But now, he heard that she was... still alive?

"Father, what did you say?!" he blurted out, his voice filled with undisguised shock.

Before he could finish speaking, the woman's corpse suddenly opened her eyes and, with lightning speed, leaped off the cart that was pulling him.

This leap was like a ghost appearing, frightening the surrounding guards into retreating, some even drawing their weapons.

"Ah!" a young guard exclaimed, nearly falling to the ground.

"What... what's going on?" The other person asked in disbelief.

Even Huangfu Hui's eyes widened, his mind in turmoil—could it all have been an act? The woman wasn't dead at all?!

After landing, the woman moved her limbs slightly, then slowly straightened up. She exhaled softly, then activated her internal energy, instantly releasing a chilling aura.

"call--"

As her internal energy circulated, her previously protruding abdomen quickly collapsed, returning to its normal shape in just ten breaths. Then, her face began to change—her skin turned from white to gray, and the contours of her features gradually became clearer yet blurred, as if shrouded in a thin mist.

In a short while, a tall, slender, androgynous figure with sharp eyes appeared before everyone.

"Red Lotus Demon!" Huangfu Hui exclaimed as he looked at the man's appearance, his expression changing drastically as he could hardly believe his eyes.